Blistering gig. Nigel in brilliant form. The sound was fine and the joggers were out moshing. Look Dad, Trad Arr tune, Oblong of Dreams, Bad Wools, Light and Shite, JDOG, Trunpton, DPAK it was like a greatest hits set. And The Clash. Thanks Nigel I can die happy
20 January 2023
Harrison adams
Nigel seemed very happy tonight.
Was that a live debut for Grafting Haddock? Superb either way. It rocked hard. This was my first time hearing Big Man Up Front live, too — Nigel’s vocals were bitter, serious, angry. An excellent gig.
21 January 2023
Neil (not that one)
So looking forward to this but totally ruined ny the wsnkers sneering at us from the half empty VIP balcony. WTF was that all about? Shameful.
21 January 2023
Hendrix-tattoo
Sealclubbing. Grafting Haddock.. Midnight Mass Murder… I fought the Law….
Worth the admission fee alone….
21 January 2023
Twistedkitemike
The joy of the occasional London gig and getting home in time to have the option of going to bed on the same day that I got up. Nice idea….
A mildly loquacious Nigel tonight, some of the old jokes but some new additions. Team Roger will present a full summary in due course. Although I did like the text from the friend of Nigel’s at Dignitas who in the course of waiting for his appointment was offered breakfast, but disappointed it was a bowl of Cheerios.
Anyway, stick to task and proffer the running order. Here was the setlist as played (I hope!): –
Batwalk Light Tunnel Fred T Awkward Sean Petty Sessions Bob W Look Dad Buried in the Morning Columbia Tommy W Sealclubbing Big Man Up Front Bad Wools Chatteris Vatican Grafting Haddock DPAK Surging out of Convalescence When I Look at My Baby NSD Midnight Mass Murder Umberstone Trad Arr Tune Twydale’s Lament AOR Trumpton Bell Rings ……………………………. Oblong I Fought the Law (Cover of The Clash cover, let’s say) JDOG
Always nice, in the words of The Hold Steady, to raise a toast to Saint Joe Strummer.
Good crowd, packed to the rafters you might say. Hopefully Miles did a bit of turnover on the merch.
We have February off and then a welcome return to The Assembly in Leamington Spa. Stay warm, folks.
Mike…………….
21 January 2023
Rubber faced irritant
@Neil. Don’t know and they don’t matter to us. So sorry they spoiled it for you. Everyone in the hall was full of love. An epic performance.
21 January 2023
Hatman Dan
First HMHB gig, will not be the last. Absolutely cracking, and especially pleased that both oldest favourites (Trumpton Riots, Sealclubbing) and newest (Midnight Mass Murder and Oblong of Dreams) got in there. Fine crowd, too. Hope the band enjoyed us!
21 January 2023
Neil
I don’t know who the Neil above is, but it is not me (Neil from the band – Ed) and I certainly hope he is not referring to my niece who was on the VIP balcony. That area was for people on our guest list as they could not enter downstairs as it had reached its capacity. As for the evening, it was not ruined for us as we had a great time playing.
21 January 2023
dr desperate
Absolutely tremendous gig, one of the best ever, not at all totally ruined by my accidental choice of a rather tasteless pizza bianca at Pilgims beforehand. Visitors from Melbourne (not the Derbyshire one), Boston (not the Lincolnshire one) and Ireland (not the Northern one). Pleased I was able to inform Jason that they had dry ice. Best joke of the night: Damian Grammaticas just passing by, though it took me a few seonds to appreciate it, as immediately noticed by Nigel. Hoping that the FBL Committee will look kindly on my decisions to classify ‘I Fought the Law’ as a song by the Clash rather than The Bobby Fuller Four, and Lieutenant Pigeon as folk (rock). Their name’s an anagram of Genuine Potential, you know.
21 January 2023
GORDON BURNS
Anyone from Tavistock? Has Nigel been spending time in Devon, I wonder. Maybe he hopped over the border and visited Gunnislake too?
21 January 2023
Bad loser
Not had a great week: had toothache for all of it and the car started making some very expensive noises a few days ago.
Fortunately, my best mate was behind the wheel for this one to save the day and the lads were above their usual A – A+ standard. I think I’m safe in saying the sound will have been good for everyone after a few disappointments in that department recently.
A poor night on the FBL subject to a VAR decision on the cover version: they certainly sounded like The Clash!
After the lousy start to the week, life is certainly good again. See you in 2 months.
21 January 2023
Ferencváros fan
There’s been plenty of goings-on this week. I’ll blame these distractions for me placing the ditch in Sussex when playing Biscuitball, and for attempting to pay for a round of drinks with my CAMRA membership card during the afternoon. Spent the time between the support and main act fielding 3 emails, which is no way to be living your life. So a big thank you to my fellow-Biscuiteers for their friendship beforehand. It meant a lot to me. I had no doubts that the gig would be good, because they all are. In the event though, it was an absolute blinder, one that I will always look back on with huge fondness. I wish I could have bottled up the pure elation I felt when hearing Grafting Haddock being performed for the first time ever. It didn’t stop there though, as only 2 tracks later came Surging, one of my top 5 personal faves. Overall setlist was absolutely brilliant too, as was the repartee with the fans. So a massive thanks to the band for a truly unforgettable evening. OMFG.
21 January 2023
Schoon
Wonderful gig. What is better than shouting ‘Take your chips’?
@Neil funnily enough I did a quick exit poll asking:
If anything could be improved what would it be:
Less sneering from above 0.08% Opening song should be Westward Ho! 98.3%
Something to bear in mind during gig planning meetings?
21 January 2023
Mike
Great gig but ruined a bit by the bloke in front of me who took photos on his phone 2 or 3 times during every song. Asked him to stop but he ignored me. Didn’t want to get thrown out for thumping him. Family with me suggested I move but I was in a belligerent ‘No. He’s in the wrong’ mood. Still a top gig though.
21 January 2023
Chris The Siteowner
Nigel got the wrong Damien G when spotting Damian Grammaticas, as the gig was graced by the presence of Damian Green (MP, never knew about the porn on his computer).
21 January 2023
Natalie at the back
Yes the former Deputy PM and his wife were there. I got the same train home as them. His wife was wearing a Four Lads t shirt. (Which also can’t say anything). I was in such a good mood I resisted the temptation to say Tories aren’t allowed to enjoy HMHB.
21 January 2023
mister tubbs
They don’t get much better than last night! I can usually tell how good the gig was by the croakiness of my voice in the morning, and it’s more like Frank Butcher than Joe Pasquale today. Great to finally hear Grafting Haddock live, and a brilliant rendition of Twydale’s Lament, (don’t think I’ve heard the full version before). Sadly there were a few idiots in the crowd, there were a couple in front of me for a while, who were constantly bellowing in each other’s ear, when they weren’t filming. Why do people go to loud gigs just to have a chat? If they are planning to go to Stowmarket, hopefully, they’ll encounter a Suffolk Ditch before the show!
21 January 2023
John anderson
I love a home town (for me) gig as I can rarely travel on a Friday night during the season due to work commitments. Thanks to CtSO and Not Bishop Brennan for sorting me out with a ticket, I really enjoyed the show.
As a fan of hearing the less usual suspects, I was delighted to be treated with Grafting Haddock, Twydale and Surging plus Tommy W, Look Dad and Umberstone coming off the bench was also a treat. Superb versions of Big Man and Sealclubbing and a great cover too.
I’ll be at Cambridge in April where hopefully I’ll be able to partcipate in the pre-show drinks (if selected).
@Neil : Glad ye enjoyed it as much as the rest of us real Neil. I can’t even pick a highlight. It was all killer. Thanks very much.
I’m not great in crowds and tend to hang around the periphery but I got right into the thick of it last night and had myself a splendid evening. Further thanks to all the crew I met up with for Pizza for welcoming me into the fold.
Not sure when I’ll be back alas as this is a year of big birthdays and anniversaries in our household. I’m 50 in March so we’re off to Iceland (It’s the new Cuba!) and herself has hers later in the year (US I think, better book that). There’s also a 20th wedding anniversary (I’d be out by now if I’d strangled her), the heirs 18th, the Péres 90th and her folks 50th wedding anniversary next week! But who knows, we’ll keep an eye on the fixture list and see what can be done.
*by the by -Back in the late 80’s me and my pal Hoss’ first proper gigging band were called The Trumpton Riots and our signature cover version (our own songs were shit I’m afraid) was – I Fought the Law.
21 January 2023
David Barker
Absolute blinder. Drove down from Sheffield to meet up with some old school friends who moved down to that London. Had a couple of great nights using this gig as an excuse. Never seen a bad HMHB show, in the last 40 years, but this was right up there.
21 January 2023
parsfan
My first pint was £6.93 (World’s End) and it was shit, then across the road to The Eye for the best pint of the night at about £5.50. I’ve grown used to beer prices being in round numbers but with the move away from cash, as well as fuelling inflation, it looks like we can go back to having any old number.
There was enough for a football team in Brewdog by the time I arrived. In the absence of an opposition team we could have played sixes or fives with a rolling sub but we went for pizza instead. Probably for the best.
Another great gig, I don’t think they can all be the best but I never leave disappointed.
It was great to see so many of you again and, remember, if I spill your pint in London I’m likely doing you a favour.
PS if anyone’s still up White Riot, the story of Rock Against Racism, is on Sky Arts just now.
22 January 2023
Phyllis Triggs
First gig of the New Year: Half Man Half Biscuit going toe to toe with the Abba Voyage experience – an unlikely pairing for sure, but with Abba being my first musical love and HMHB my most recent, it made perfect sense to combine the two on a trip to London. Only problem was, fearful of the Abba thing selling out, I secured a ticket for that but then came up against the brickwall of ‘TICKETS UNAVAILABLE’ for the Camden gig. Horrors! With a hotel booked and Abba in the bag I’m committed to going to London. I put a shout out on the website. After all, there’s Christmas gatherings coming up and nasty lurgies doing the rounds, maybe someone else’s misfortune would be my lucky break. I cross my fingers and hope. Mentally tho, I’m preparing myself for sitting forlorn in a Camden boozer, weeping into my weak lager after waving everyone else off to the gig.
Weeks and months pass. Still no tickets. More people pleading on the website. This is surely the hottest show in town! 30th Dec. The arse-end of the year. I’m working lates. I arrive home to an email from CTSO: do I still need a ticket? YES is the answer!!!
But then 10 mins later, I remembered seeing a request on the website from a guy over from Australia. Admittedly, my initial reaction on seeing this had been, ‘You’re gonna have to fight me for one first, mate’, but now, faced with the real possibility of getting a ticket, I was surprised to find my better nature taking over. I fired off another email to Chris, saying: if there’s only one ticket, the guy over from Australia’s need would be greater than mine; they’re never gonna play in Oz!
Next morning; Saturday, New Year’s Eve Day, I’m up early for work (ironically due to swapping Saturdays to free me up for the Camden gig, hey ho.) There’s no reply from Chris. Shit! His email was sent yesterday afternoon: I didn’t see it till nearly 10 o’clock last night. Maybe the ticket had gone to someone else before I had chance to get back to him. Feverishly, I keep checking my inbox all morning then ZAP! There it is, mid afternoon, an email from Chris confirming I’m in. While I’m re-reading this for the umpteenth time I become aware of a colleague staring at me and I realise my eyes are full of tears, ‘It’s ok, Jo’ I tell her, ‘Something wonderful’s just happened!’
Here comes a story that’s never been told…
Chris, having never done so before, had plucked up the courage to ask the band if they could find a ticket to get an old uni friend of his into the gig. To Chris’ surprise, Nigel replied to say they could …and (unprompted, Chris tells me) also queried whether I had managed to get a ticket!
Apparently, the band had seen here on the site that ‘PhyllisTriggs’ was after a ticket; Nigel had remembered meeting me and Eric in Shrewsbury; and he thought it would be a shame if I wasn’t at the gig too!
This is where Chris emailed me – but apparently he’d also relayed back to Nigel my original response about Jason’s need being greater than mine. You can guess the rest.
So three ticketless Biscuiteers (Chris’ mate, Jason from Australia and I) all got to go to the ball. A lovely tale. Very Biscuit. Very Nigel. And I’ve been dying to share this with everyone on here, but in the interests of egalitarianism thought I’d bescht keep schtum til it was all over (it is now!) There may be other links in this chain; other inputs, of which I am unaware but many thanks go out to all those involved anyway.
And now, having impressed Nigel Blackwell with my (uncharacteristic) magnanimity, I am so glad I silenced that little voice inside my head which piped up on hearing the sad news of Philip Taylor’s death. Amidst enormous and heartfelt sympathy for his family and friends, I’d wondered:
‘He didn’t happen to have a ticket for the London gig by any chance…?’ DMDNST.
22 January 2023
Neville Bourke
Great gig, but a bit crowded! Making the pilgrimage from Ireland a couple of times a year I feel smaller towns lend themselves to a better HMHB experience, I may be wrong. Great to see you all. Shout out to Irish Niall who I met at the bar (where else!). The Hitchens Abu.
22 January 2023
Problem CHIMP
Fantastic, my first HMHB gig, coming up to the age of 24 and hitting a decade of listening to this band. Exactly what I expected; the crowd a heady mix of nerds, footie lads, soft punks and soft footie lads. What more could you want? The Clash cover went harder then it had any right to. Expected them to grasp the low hanging fruit and play Four Skinny Indie Kids, but then when have they ever reached for the lowest common denominator? Satisfied customer- I’ll be back.
Air Fryers abound (when will they realise it’s just an oven?)
Ps: I accidentally right hooked some bloke in the chin whilst aping Ian Curtis’ dancing during the “dance, dance, DANCE, DANCE” line in JDOG. I’m sorry; if you’re reading this.
22 January 2023
James Walsh
Wonderful gig, wonderful people, as Jimmy Cliff would probably have said.
Hello to everyone I moshed with, and thanks to the person next to me who held people back for a few seconds while I tied my shoelace. Excellent moshpit etiquette as always.
I’ve done a little review of the gig for the Morning Star – not sure when it’ll be in the paper but will let y’all know and stick a link hereabouts.
Countdown is a good place to spot HMHB references. In one episode, there were two, quite close together, with Wassail and Gazebos both scoring highly in the word puzzles. Radcliffe and Maconie also chip in on their shows on 6 Music. On one occasion, they were talking about ways to relieve boredom. Referring to the line in The Best Things In Life, Stuart suggested writing on the sole of your slipper with a biro. After all, who hasn’t done that?
Santa sourced a CD boxset for Karen, featuring the collected works of fellow C86ers Bogshed. If HMHB had never existed, and if Bogshed had continued to operate beyond their demise around 1987, then it is possible that I would have been writing reviews about that fine band instead. Only saw them once, one Sunday evening at The Leadmill, not long before they called it a day. At the back end of November 2022, just before the release of their collection, with a horrible irony it was announced that Mike Bryson, their bassist, had passed away. That is three out of the four of them who have now gone before. We all arrived at HMHB from different musical directions. For me, Bogshed was a central stopping-off point before the HMHB journey began. RIP, Mike.
Normally at the back end of a year, we would have been busy taking in a variety of gigs. Instead, our attention turned to moving house. So we’ve been limited to a single trip to The Wharf Chambers in Leeds to see Indignation Meeting supporting Zounds. Well actually, being devoid of energy with the move, we just stopped for Indignation Meeting. A possibility for the support role the next time HMHB play in the city?
You would have thought there might be a better line of communication between the Railworkers Union and the HMHB fanbase. Grant Shapps ought to get involved in the negotiations. His cousin Mick Jones was in The Clash and Big Audio Dynamite, the latter of which also featured Grant’s brother. Maybe Grant would be sympathetic to gig-goers, and get the whole thing sorted. Hmmm, doubt it though. Not many of these gigs get cancelled. But Hull, scheduled for the week before Christmas went by the way. Re-scheduled for the end of April. The strike had led to Chris’s site turning into a Swap Shop operation, with folk able to get rid where they were unable to attend. But then everything was slammed into reverse by the re-arrangement. Unfortunately a few folk were unable to get to London. The same mad scramble came into play. Hope everyone is sorted as we work our way through the calendar this year. Leamington Spa, Stowmarket, Cambridge, Hull, Edinburgh and Llangollen announced so far.
Very, very sorry to hear about Taylo. It’s always sad to hear about the passing of a fellow fan. I can’t say I spent a lot of time in his company, but I have vague memories of being in a group of us pre-gig in the pub before one of the Manchester shows. Deepest sympathies to Loop.
Ta once again to Mickey for another fine edition of his Leicester City fanzine, Bentley’s Roof. Ta also to the folk who put together the excellent mag Vive Le Rock. Although I don’t quite agree with their Top 50 albums of 2022. The Voltarol Years. Where is it? However, the album got a mention in The Times list of readers’ favourite albums of the year. And The Herald managed to fit ICTBCAC into their ten alternative Christmas songs “that you might actually manage to enjoy”.
Christmas 2022 came round, and I was still reading books which Santa had delivered in 2021. John Cooper Clarke’s I Wanna Be Yours. Go get it. One of those books where you imagine the author’s voice reading it out loud to you. And he knows how to tell a tale. Compare and contrast his work with that of HMHB… “I wasn’t seeing so much of Liz at this point. We hadn’t fallen out, but she’d acquired a bunch of snooty philosophy student pals who were busy exploring the real meaning of a cupboard.” And later on, he undertakes relaxation therapy, in an attempt to bring him off the heroin… “It was like the light at the end of the tunnel that turns out to be an oncoming train.”
After finishing I Wanna Be Yours, I moved on to a book by sports reporter and HMHB fan John Anderson. A Great Face For Radio follows him from his start as an insurance broker, to life as an international sports reporter. It was published a decade ago, so better late than never. Not finished it yet but it’s a fine read. There’s a marvellous example of how to talk to non-English speakers: “Do you speak English or am I going to have to shout?” And there is a tale about Carl Lewis. Having seen Ben Johnson, eyes a-bulging, whizz past him in the 100 metres final in the 1988 Olympics, Lewis was beaten into second place a few days later in the 200 metres. His press conference was packed with folk wanting to know about his disappointment, but the first question was: “Mister Johnson, could you tell us how you are enjoying life here in South Korea?” After all these years, there can’t be that many copies of John’s book left for sale. So, get shopping. I hope John’s copyright people are OK with all that. I had hoped to get his signature on the book tonight. Some other time, eh?
Following the New Year Honours list, I’m looking forward to the amendment to the song… “Woke up around eleven, with hair like Sir Brian May.”
The Guardian ran a feature on “the best music our writers discovered this year”. Tim Jonze opted for Bob Wilson Anchorman. “It’s hard to think of a record that could possibly be any less relevant in 2022, and thank God for that.”
Transport issues were few. Grand Central put out messages about our train from Wakefield Kirkgate being delayed. Not so. It was actually bang on time, and away we went to London. There were plenty of other locals on board, heading for the capital. And there were plenty of Strongbow/Smirnoff combinations being taken at the next table. Like you do.
A quick march along Euston Road, via Nandos for lunch, and we checked in at our home for the night, being one of several Premier Inns dotted round and about. Not much of a papers review. I picked up a copy of Metro, which was silent about HMHB. They mentioned that Black Flag are back in business. And they were also upping Brentford’s chances of qualifying for Europe. Tight-arsed Yorkshireman couldn’t do with sticking his hand in his pocket and buying a paper. I was saving up for the bottles of water at £3 a throw.
We were a twenty-five minute stroll from the venue. Karen, Tony, Phill, Andrew and I formed a posse and took the walk along Eversholt Street in that direction. At the venue, extremely friendly staff were setting up the security barriers. I loaded up with some tidy caramelised peanuts from a street vendor and chatted with Neil and Stuart who were off to a cheese restaurant before the gig. Caramelised peanuts. Cheese restaurants. It’s all there in Camden.
While the queue built up, we got talking to Lorna. Originally from Glasgow, she is now based in New Hampshire where she presents a radio show, Global Heartbeat on WSCA Radio. Lorna also reminded me of a band called Hugh Reed And The Velvet Underpants, and their marvellous song I’ve Just Had My Car Nicked. I remember seeing them supporting HMHB at the original Fibbers in York decades ago. Nice to meet you, Lorna. Hope to see you again at the Edinburgh gig.
As soon as I was inside I had a word with Miles and Pete at the merch stall. Nothing new on the shelves, but there is a new gig, in Llangollen in July. Sounds like a good plan to press the button immediately for that one. It will go.
There were some fine songs coming out of the PA. Totally Wired, Love Will Tear Us Apart, Devo, Buzzcocks, Wire, Gang Of Four, Iggy Pop. And it was grand to catch up with many of the usual crew. Hellos were exchanged with Jay, Brian (who was with a mate whose last HMHB show was in 1999 – why do folk leave it so long?), Steve, Postman Tony, John, George, Huddersfield Graham, Andy, Graham Le Taxi, Kev, Daz, Lou, Howie, Paul, Mike and Tracey.
Support act for the evening was JD Meatyard. He has a new album out, which explains why I didn’t know much of what he was playing. I recognised covers of Hello, I Love You, and Bad, Bad Leroy Brown. And he played his old favourites A Political Song (Blow It Out Yr Arse) and Ubu At Erics. John was also doing a couple of other shows while he was over from Spain. We’ll have to give him a go if he ever gets to Yorkshire.
The walk-on music was Lieutenant Pigeon’s Mouldy Old Dough. First job was to check out the clothing choices. Nigel’s long-sleeved item was Der Ring Des Nibelungen – Wagner’s Ring Cycle according to Tony. Ta to Karen for checking the spelling. Later, someone asked Nigel what his shirt said, he replied “Nothing, it can’t talk”. Karl had an Inner City Unit t-shirt. Nigel switched guitars, and did quite a few songs without one, before bringing out the caravan for the encore. “OK for bags?” was his opening line.
Someone, somewhere, please remind me to stop standing right in front of the speakers. I can’t hear everything that is said, and my ears were still buzzing the day after. So anyway… in Renfield’s Afoot, BOOKING ESSENTIAL and NO DOGS were in capital letters. When he did have his guitar, the newish one, Nigel let us have a bit of the Peter Gunn theme. He was having difficulties with the strap again. “Anyone in from The Marshall Islands?” he asked. They would have had a bit of a trip to get to this gig. Neil sang lines from The Streets Of London before the band played Awkward Sean.
Nigel asked if anyone was in from Tavistock. “Do you know Mad Macca?” He praised their falconry centre, “but take some sandwiches because the café is shite”. The “They’re absolutely crazy” line in Petty Sessions was accompanied by a stifled yawn.
“This is about the trauma of a bereaved mind,” announced Nigel. “Oh, no it’s not, it’s this one…” He corrected himself, and the band played Bob Wilson Anchorman. There was a bit of a Parfitt/Rossi thing during that song. “I stole this from Judee Sill” was said ahead of Look Dad No Tunes.
Not exactly sure what he was referring to, but Nigel had seen someone’s t-shirt in the crowd and pointed out that it could be improved by adding an external TV aerial. “This is about people we all know” was the pre-amble for What Made Colombia Famous. He spotted Beth Tweddle. “Any time with those step ladders, Beth.” Something was said about a Residents bootleg, and Nigel reminded everyone that “you don’t get this with Newton Faulkner.”
Big Man Up Front was about someone signing in at Dignitas and then complaining about being given Cheerios for breakfast. Neil’s fan club began chanting his name at one point. Nigel observed someone in the crowd had taken off their jumper. “Makes a change to be warm enough to do that,” he noted “We’ve turned the dial on our gas meter so far back, it’s now in Roman numerals.”
Nigel said that everyone has air fryers and log burners these days. He has had two log burners for twenty years. But now, because log burners are fashionable, you can’t get the wood. He said to Postman Tony, “I bet you’ve got a log burner.” Postman Tony said he didn’t because he lives in a high rise. “Oh yes, how northern are we?” replied Nigel, “I forgot you live in Collyhurst. This next one’s for you,” said Nigel. “In fact it’s the polar opposite of Collyhurst”, and they played For What Is Chatteris. Nigel also talked about famous people from Collyhurst, including Nobby Stiles and Les Dawson. He said he had read Nobby’s autobiography.
I can’t remember the subject matter, but Nigel sang “He’s fat, he’s round, he thinks he’s Ezra Pound.”
It happens every now and then… at the beginning of For What Is Chatteris, Nigel was floundering for the opening line. We all helped him out. Nigel was also struggling when trying to adjust the height of his microphone. “Only been doing this for forty years,” he muttered. There was a pause in proceedings whilst he dealt with a shoelace “it’s loose, arguably worse than being undone”. A snippet of Black Night preceded What Made Colombia Famous. Likewise, That’s A Moray came before Vatican Broadside.
There was further celebrity spotting. “Damian Grammaticus, ladies and gentlemen. Or is he just passing by?” Nigel dedicated Midnight Mass Murder to his local vicar, a chap going by the name of Reverend John Thomas. I can’t help but wonder if/when the line about “full Sky replica kit” will change to “full Ineos replica kit”. For the encore, Nigel came on with a paper bag. Food or medication? A bit of both, apparently. And there was the traditional farewell message: “Have a good weekend, weatherwise or otherwise.”
Thanks to Carl for screwing up his set list and chucking it to me. I’m glad I can still catch. The evening went like this:
Renfield’s Afoot The Light At The End Of The Tunnel Is The Light Of An Oncoming Train Fuckin’ ‘Ell It’s Fred Titmus Awkward Sean Petty Sessions Bob Wilson Anchorman Look Dad No Tunes I’m Getting Buried In The Morning What Made Colombia Famous Tommy Walsh’s Eco House Sealclubbing Big Man Up Front Rock ‘n’ Roll Is Full Of Bad Wools For What Is Chatteris? Vatican Broadside Grafting Haddock In The George All I Want For Christmas Is A Dukla Prague Away Kit Surging Out Of Convalescence When I Look At My Baby National Shite Day Midnight Mass Murder Harsh Times In Umberstone Covert We Built This Village On A Trad Arr Tune Twydale’s Lament Everything’s AOR The Trumpton Riots Every Time A Bell Rings
And the encore featured:
Oblong Of Dreams I Fought The Law Joy Division Oven Gloves
The audit of the set list tells us that Terminus was originally scheduled to come between National Shite Day and Midnight Mass Murder. But it got dropped. On the other hand, Sealclubbing was a spur of the moment inclusion. “I just want to play it,” said Nigel. All good stuff, as we have come to expect. Hopefully the girl who was pulled over the barrier by security was ok in the end. A dozen or so of us headed to The Lyttleton Arms, back in the direction of Euston. From there it was to bed, and then back north on the Saturday morning. I always have a good time when I go to London, but somehow I can never get used to the crowds. Small town boy, you see. I reckon I will cope better with Leamington Spa in April.
22 January 2023
BOBBY svarc
Thanks Roger, great report. Glad you enjoyed ‘The Alternative Leicester City Fanzine’. The next ‘Roof’ is a relegation special but as with most of our publications you’ll find it hard to find anything modern-football-wise or serious in there, mind you, the introduction of ‘Honesty Flags’ by the Football Club has had to have ‘The Roof’ treatment. It’s a decent read, so we’ve been told, N. Blackwell and yourself seem to enjoy it, or perhaps, you’re just being kind. Anyway, hopefully, I’ll catch up with you and Karen at Lembo in March
23 January 2023
John anderson
Great review as ever from Roger. I’m delighted that’s he’s finally got round to reading my book. I know he doesn’t post on here but if anyone’s in touch with him, tell him I’ll be at the Cambridge gig and would be delighted to sign his copy there. I think Karen follows me on Twitter (@GreatFaceRadio) so pehaps she could contact me via that route.
It’s no longer on general release but I have copies which are for sale at £15 plus P&P if anyone wants one. You can email me at johnoanderson@blueyonder.co.uk.
23 January 2023
EXXO
@Roger. Many thanks as ever – just like being there. Always like your sartorial notes on clothing I wouldn’t have noticed even if I had been there. Inner City Unit, eh? Another Nik Turner tribute from Karl. Whereas I tend to avoid unprotected sax as much as I avoid London. Tired of life, me. It’s like NB once said to Tony “you spot trains so we don’t have to” (in the case going to London being the tiresome activity we don’t have to do because you did, of course, rather than watching HMHB).
Talking of t-shirts, I wonder if NB’s “TV aerial” comment was aimed at a VW camper t-shirt? They seem unaccountably common on chestwear these days.
And @Dr. D – I still don’t get the Damian Grammaticas joke either – unless (and it’s taken me 48 hours to even wonder this) NB pronounced “passing” the London way?
Funny that NB is a wood snob. He once even offered me the palate that his Welsh kiln-dried stuff had been delivered on. I’d have taken it too, if I hadn’t been about to get on a bus. I’ve just been rummaging in a skip across the road here for this week’s wood.
Air fryers? I only heard of them from my nephew a few weeks ago. I didn’t know what a “sound bar” was either (just an oven and a speaker respectively, it seems). I have all the cultural awareness of a high court judge, me. Although a de-humidifier has recently changed my life, and I wouldn’t have known what one of them was a couple of years ago, so I do catch up eventually.
@Niall. Blimey that’s a lot of round numbers all at once. But we want you – preferably with a band – in Leeds in 2024 at the latest, OK?
Talking of bands in Leeds, @Roger, Karen, Dr. D, Elizabeth, all Tonies (and everyone else in the north who would travel to see a punk covers band). Band-Its June 16th Leeds. Free beers for all HMHB attendees & accommodation for those who need it and don’t mind slumming it.
23 January 2023
EXXO
Pallet of course. Not palate. I must have been channelling memories of teenage holy communion, where the wafers tasted like bits of old wood out of a skip.
23 January 2023
John Anderson
Sorry that should have read £15 INC P&P.
23 January 2023
Bernardo soares
I am reading the Damian Grammaticas joke as a reference to Rolf Harris’ “The Court of King Caractacus.” His surname would fit in that song where everything was “just passing by.”
23 January 2023
dr desperate
Correctamundo, @Bernardo – one for the teenagers there. I don’t know if anybody got the gag immediately, but it had airshipped me until Nigel added something about “the ladies in the harem”. When I eventually laughed he said “Take your time”. (Incidentally, I can still sing the whole song if anyone’s interested, or if not. Likewise ‘Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport’ and ‘Six White Boomers’. Unfortunately, hard-wired memory is no respecter of indecent assault convictions.)
23 January 2023
BOBBY SVARC
@Roger: Really great to hear that non-Leicester fans ‘get it’ too. We’ve got some fine writers on there now, it basically writes itself these days. Some good stuff in the next issue. Sounds of Phillybert Street, Bobby off the Saff, Confessions of a holiday Camp, From The Pop to the Kop, The Totally Hit History Of Leicester City. The Arsenal Cup Ties of the Seventies and much much more, ha ha!. if the admin allows, anyone can buy one at https://www.bentleysroof.online
23 January 2023
Woodnoggin
The Court of King Caratacus was one of my favourites off ’20 All Time Junior Hits’, long before I even knew what a harem was. I notice Discogs has copies of that LP for as little as 36 pence, were anyone so tempted.
23 January 2023
James Walsh (not out of starsailor)
Here’s my review for the communists. In the paper tomorrow.
Great review, James. Nice to see Offbeat get a mention, too, one of my old haunts.
23 January 2023
Irish Niall
@Exxo : Don’t get me started about the round numbers. The hits just keep on coming. Coming over and with the chance to play does sound very tempting mind. Let’s keep that idea simmering!
@Roger : Roger your reviews are always beyond a joy to read. For those who weren’t there and that’s usually me they are a rich, immersive deep dive into an event. For those who were -and this is such an occasion I was lucky enough to be in that number, they put you right back in a moment.
@James : Similarly well played Sir. I dunno if I was the actual punter seen sobbing during Oblong of Dreams. It would not surprise me to find there was well more than one. My apologies if it created social awkwardness to any in my proximity though in truth I thought I’d gotten away with it and didn’t think anyone had noticed (It actually happened in Castleton as well). It just has that effect on some and likely for different reasons spanning everything from euphoria, sentimentality, fear that this might be “the end” -probably with advanced state of refreshment enhancing all foregoing and following… In my case -my mam died last June. I’m fine with it -at least I thought I was fine with it. She was done with her body or it with her. But that last few months driving her to oncology TVY was the CD in the car most of the time and I suppose it, and specifically Oblong, became intertwined with unfolding events. I know of course Terminus would likely be a far more appropriate song to hang such hooks upon but it is what it is. It’s a tremendous tune.
@Neville : I enjoyed Hells Angel but honestly I reckon both Hitchens are both full of different shades of shite 😉 Good to see you too and I trust you made it home alright. I left myself with some very fine margins to make the Stansted Express. Forgot to carry a one somewhere in my calculations. Yet I believe I was home in Limerick with a mug of tea in hand before Postman Tony made it home to Manchester.
24 January 2023
dr desperate
Excellent stuff, James! I was once that man down the front crying, after Nigel dedicated a song at The Ritz to my bro who’d recently died. On that topic, late condolences to all at TMS (not the cricket one) for the loss of Steve McGiffen who passed away last August, having for years written a cookery column under the splendid pseudonym “Commie Chef”.
24 January 2023
Hendrix-tattoo
Great reviews folks, great reviews. Had a great weekend and I must agree with the Doc that was one of the best gigs the boys have played, But I always say that. I’d also like to think the inclusion of Sealclubbing was for me, Due to me heckling Nigel about his shirt. Later on I got a finger point during the postman elastic band line in Twydale’s Lament. Niall it was great see you and I’m glad you got home safe and sound. My epic coach journey home wasn’t that bad because Jd Meatyard was also on the same coach to Manchester. He was playing a gig in Levenshulme that night. Roll on Leamington Spa…
24 January 2023
FERENCVáROS FAN
Post-gig euphoria has subsided, but still basking in the afterglow. Loved reading all the reviews. Thanks to all for posting. Some really touching comments. Great story from Lou about the ticket, #morethanaband. Final comments ( I think):
1. Big thanks to my friend Phil for turning up beforehand for the craic. He won’t be reading this, so he’s safe from any embarrassment, but when you’ve got a firm friendship that stretches back well over 50 years, you can’t put a price on it. 2. Huge shout out to the manager of The Queen’s Head on Acton Road, King’s Cross, for making Phil and I feel like truly honoured guests during the afternoon. Choice of glasses, ushering us to the best seats in the house (close by the fire – it was a flipping cold day), asking if we were CAMRA and then telling us that meant a 10% discount, not laughing when I tried to pay him with my CAMRA card (I ‘ll be dining out on that one for a long time), beer at just over £3 a pint, and handshakes as we left. 3. To reiterate, I loved the pre-gig company. The more I go, the more people I meet and the more I feel like I’m surrounded by family on such occasions. 4. I won’t repeat my comments about the gig itself, but will add that I felt there were a couple of particularly good singalong moments, firstly at the beginning, to Mouldy Old Dough, then later on to Twydale’s Lament. 5. ‘Surging’ had come hot on the heels of two particular favourites, so it marked a perfect hat-trick. Then, at the end of the song, there was a truly ‘it’s a wonderful life’ moment. Thank you for that. I think you will know who you are.
24 January 2023
Neville Bourke
@IrishNiall – Re The Hitchens (bloody autocorrect!). I’ll see your “both Hitchens” assertion and raise you Hitchen’s Razor!
24 January 2023
michael
@Roger – thank you for yet again shoe-horning a mention of Indignation Meeting in to your review! One of these days we’ll get that coveted support slot… We’ll be at the Welly in Hull in April, perhaps we could just play in the car park after the gig like Beach Buggy used to.
26 January 2023
COFIWCH DRYWERYN
Long time between drinks (1999 Harlesden was the last, just before I emigrated off to sunnier climes). Absolutely storming gig made all the better by catching up with some stalwarts in the bar ahead of time.
26 January 2023
JD O’GLOVES
So looking forward to Leamington after reading these rave revues! Set list looks awesome, can’t wait!!
28 January 2023
Gary evans
This was a superb gig. Set list was up there with the best. Cracking version of I Fought The Law. Did not see Damian Green but did see Elis James, John Robins and Lou Sanders upstairs. Elis and John had mentioned the gig on 5 Live that afternoon. I said a polite hello and thank you to them for bringing HMHB to the attention of the nation. They also talked about it yesterday on their show. Was well worth the nightmare 6 and a half hour train journey back to Merseyside on Sunday!
28 January 2023
Bishbosh
Been waiting for years to see them down saaaf and one of best gigs I’ve been to in 40 years, would of thrown hard cash to of heard “yahoo, restless legs, excavating Rita” not a full head of hair in the house, I tell everyone that hmhb are the robin Friday of music
Eugene Walsh
Excellent gig. Clash live on.
20 January 2023
NATALIE AT THE BACK
Blistering gig. Nigel in brilliant form. The sound was fine and the joggers were out moshing. Look Dad, Trad Arr tune, Oblong of Dreams, Bad Wools, Light and Shite, JDOG, Trunpton, DPAK it was like a greatest hits set. And The Clash. Thanks Nigel I can die happy
20 January 2023
Harrison adams
Nigel seemed very happy tonight.
Was that a live debut for Grafting Haddock? Superb either way. It rocked hard. This was my first time hearing Big Man Up Front live, too — Nigel’s vocals were bitter, serious, angry. An excellent gig.
21 January 2023
Neil (not that one)
So looking forward to this but totally ruined ny the wsnkers sneering at us from the half empty VIP balcony. WTF was that all about? Shameful.
21 January 2023
Hendrix-tattoo
Sealclubbing.
Grafting Haddock..
Midnight Mass Murder…
I fought the Law….
Worth the admission fee alone….
21 January 2023
Twistedkitemike
The joy of the occasional London gig and getting home in time to have the option of going to bed on the same day that I got up. Nice idea….
A mildly loquacious Nigel tonight, some of the old jokes but some new additions. Team Roger will present a full summary in due course. Although I did like the text from the friend of Nigel’s at Dignitas who in the course of waiting for his appointment was offered breakfast, but disappointed it was a bowl of Cheerios.
Anyway, stick to task and proffer the running order. Here was the setlist as played (I hope!): –
Batwalk
Light Tunnel
Fred T
Awkward Sean
Petty Sessions
Bob W
Look Dad
Buried in the Morning
Columbia
Tommy W
Sealclubbing
Big Man Up Front
Bad Wools
Chatteris
Vatican
Grafting Haddock
DPAK
Surging out of Convalescence
When I Look at My Baby
NSD
Midnight Mass Murder
Umberstone
Trad Arr Tune
Twydale’s Lament
AOR
Trumpton
Bell Rings
…………………………….
Oblong
I Fought the Law (Cover of The Clash cover, let’s say)
JDOG
Always nice, in the words of The Hold Steady, to raise a toast to Saint Joe Strummer.
Good crowd, packed to the rafters you might say. Hopefully Miles did a bit of turnover on the merch.
We have February off and then a welcome return to The Assembly in Leamington Spa. Stay warm, folks.
Mike…………….
21 January 2023
Rubber faced irritant
@Neil. Don’t know and they don’t matter to us. So sorry they spoiled it for you.
Everyone in the hall was full of love. An epic performance.
21 January 2023
Hatman Dan
First HMHB gig, will not be the last. Absolutely cracking, and especially pleased that both oldest favourites (Trumpton Riots, Sealclubbing) and newest (Midnight Mass Murder and Oblong of Dreams) got in there.
Fine crowd, too. Hope the band enjoyed us!
21 January 2023
Neil
I don’t know who the Neil above is, but it is not me (Neil from the band – Ed) and I certainly hope he is not referring to my niece who was on the VIP balcony. That area was for people on our guest list as they could not enter downstairs as it had reached its capacity. As for the evening, it was not ruined for us as we had a great time playing.
21 January 2023
dr desperate
Absolutely tremendous gig, one of the best ever, not at all totally ruined by my accidental choice of a rather tasteless pizza bianca at Pilgims beforehand. Visitors from Melbourne (not the Derbyshire one), Boston (not the Lincolnshire one) and Ireland (not the Northern one). Pleased I was able to inform Jason that they had dry ice.
Best joke of the night: Damian Grammaticas just passing by, though it took me a few seonds to appreciate it, as immediately noticed by Nigel.
Hoping that the FBL Committee will look kindly on my decisions to classify ‘I Fought the Law’ as a song by the Clash rather than The Bobby Fuller Four, and Lieutenant Pigeon as folk (rock). Their name’s an anagram of Genuine Potential, you know.
21 January 2023
GORDON BURNS
Anyone from Tavistock?
Has Nigel been spending time in Devon, I wonder. Maybe he hopped over the border and visited Gunnislake too?
21 January 2023
Bad loser
Not had a great week: had toothache for all of it and the car started making some very expensive noises a few days ago.
Fortunately, my best mate was behind the wheel for this one to save the day and the lads were above their usual A – A+ standard. I think I’m safe in saying the sound will have been good for everyone after a few disappointments in that department recently.
A poor night on the FBL subject to a VAR decision on the cover version: they certainly sounded like The Clash!
After the lousy start to the week, life is certainly good again. See you in 2 months.
21 January 2023
Ferencváros fan
There’s been plenty of goings-on this week. I’ll blame these distractions for me placing the ditch in Sussex when playing Biscuitball, and for attempting to pay for a round of drinks with my CAMRA membership card during the afternoon. Spent the time between the support and main act fielding 3 emails, which is no way to be living your life. So a big thank you to my fellow-Biscuiteers for their friendship beforehand. It meant a lot to me. I had no doubts that the gig would be good, because they all are. In the event though, it was an absolute blinder, one that I will always look back on with huge fondness. I wish I could have bottled up the pure elation I felt when hearing Grafting Haddock being performed for the first time ever. It didn’t stop there though, as only 2 tracks later came Surging, one of my top 5 personal faves. Overall setlist was absolutely brilliant too, as was the repartee with the fans. So a massive thanks to the band for a truly unforgettable evening. OMFG.
21 January 2023
Schoon
Wonderful gig. What is better than shouting ‘Take your chips’?
@Neil funnily enough I did a quick exit poll asking:
If anything could be improved what would it be:
Less sneering from above 0.08%
Opening song should be Westward Ho! 98.3%
Something to bear in mind during gig planning meetings?
21 January 2023
Mike
Great gig but ruined a bit by the bloke in front of me who took photos on his phone 2 or 3 times during every song. Asked him to stop but he ignored me. Didn’t want to get thrown out for thumping him. Family with me suggested I move but I was in a belligerent ‘No. He’s in the wrong’ mood. Still a top gig though.
21 January 2023
Chris The Siteowner
Nigel got the wrong Damien G when spotting Damian Grammaticas, as the gig was graced by the presence of Damian Green (MP, never knew about the porn on his computer).
21 January 2023
Natalie at the back
Yes the former Deputy PM and his wife were there. I got the same train home as them. His wife was wearing a Four Lads t shirt. (Which also can’t say anything). I was in such a good mood I resisted the temptation to say Tories aren’t allowed to enjoy HMHB.
21 January 2023
mister tubbs
They don’t get much better than last night! I can usually tell how good the gig was by the croakiness of my voice in the morning, and it’s more like Frank Butcher than Joe Pasquale today. Great to finally hear Grafting Haddock live, and a brilliant rendition of Twydale’s Lament, (don’t think I’ve heard the full version before). Sadly there were a few idiots in the crowd, there were a couple in front of me for a while, who were constantly bellowing in each other’s ear, when they weren’t filming. Why do people go to loud gigs just to have a chat? If they are planning to go to Stowmarket, hopefully, they’ll encounter a Suffolk Ditch before the show!
21 January 2023
John anderson
I love a home town (for me) gig as I can rarely travel on a Friday night during the season due to work commitments. Thanks to CtSO and Not Bishop Brennan for sorting me out with a ticket, I really enjoyed the show.
As a fan of hearing the less usual suspects, I was delighted to be treated with Grafting Haddock, Twydale and Surging plus Tommy W, Look Dad and Umberstone coming off the bench was also a treat. Superb versions of Big Man and Sealclubbing and a great cover too.
I’ll be at Cambridge in April where hopefully I’ll be able to partcipate in the pre-show drinks (if selected).
21 January 2023
Molecatcher
Absolutely brilliant.
21 January 2023
Shep
http://evansiapoe.blogspot.com/2023/01/god-gave-us-lifehalf-man-half-biscuit.html?m=1
Here’s my mate Daves review of last night.
21 January 2023
Irish Niall
@Neil : Glad ye enjoyed it as much as the rest of us real Neil. I can’t even pick a highlight. It was all killer. Thanks very much.
I’m not great in crowds and tend to hang around the periphery but I got right into the thick of it last night and had myself a splendid evening. Further thanks to all the crew I met up with for Pizza for welcoming me into the fold.
Not sure when I’ll be back alas as this is a year of big birthdays and anniversaries in our household. I’m 50 in March so we’re off to Iceland (It’s the new Cuba!) and herself has hers later in the year (US I think, better book that). There’s also a 20th wedding anniversary (I’d be out by now if I’d strangled her), the heirs 18th, the Péres 90th and her folks 50th wedding anniversary next week!
But who knows, we’ll keep an eye on the fixture list and see what can be done.
*by the by -Back in the late 80’s me and my pal Hoss’ first proper gigging band were called The Trumpton Riots and our signature cover version (our own songs were shit I’m afraid) was – I Fought the Law.
21 January 2023
David Barker
Absolute blinder. Drove down from Sheffield to meet up with some old school friends who moved down to that London. Had a couple of great nights using this gig as an excuse. Never seen a bad HMHB show, in the last 40 years, but this was right up there.
21 January 2023
parsfan
My first pint was £6.93 (World’s End) and it was shit, then across the road to The Eye for the best pint of the night at about £5.50. I’ve grown used to beer prices being in round numbers but with the move away from cash, as well as fuelling inflation, it looks like we can go back to having any old number.
There was enough for a football team in Brewdog by the time I arrived. In the absence of an opposition team we could have played sixes or fives with a rolling sub but we went for pizza instead. Probably for the best.
Another great gig, I don’t think they can all be the best but I never leave disappointed.
It was great to see so many of you again and, remember, if I spill your pint in London I’m likely doing you a favour.
PS if anyone’s still up White Riot, the story of Rock Against Racism, is on Sky Arts just now.
22 January 2023
Phyllis Triggs
First gig of the New Year: Half Man Half Biscuit going toe to toe with the Abba Voyage experience – an unlikely pairing for sure, but with Abba being my first musical love and HMHB my most recent, it made perfect sense to combine the two on a trip to London. Only problem was, fearful of the Abba thing selling out, I secured a ticket for that but then came up against the brickwall of ‘TICKETS UNAVAILABLE’ for the Camden gig. Horrors! With a hotel booked and Abba in the bag I’m committed to going to London. I put a shout out on the website. After all, there’s Christmas gatherings coming up and nasty lurgies doing the rounds, maybe someone else’s misfortune would be my lucky break. I cross my fingers and hope. Mentally tho, I’m preparing myself for sitting forlorn in a Camden boozer, weeping into my weak lager after waving everyone else off to the gig.
Weeks and months pass. Still no tickets. More people pleading on the website. This is surely the hottest show in town! 30th Dec. The arse-end of the year. I’m working lates. I arrive home to an email from CTSO: do I still need a ticket? YES is the answer!!!
But then 10 mins later, I remembered seeing a request on the website from a guy over from Australia. Admittedly, my initial reaction on seeing this had been, ‘You’re gonna have to fight me for one first, mate’, but now, faced with the real possibility of getting a ticket, I was surprised to find my better nature taking over. I fired off another email to Chris, saying: if there’s only one ticket, the guy over from Australia’s need would be greater than mine; they’re never gonna play in Oz!
Next morning; Saturday, New Year’s Eve Day, I’m up early for work (ironically due to swapping Saturdays to free me up for the Camden gig, hey ho.) There’s no reply from Chris. Shit! His email was sent yesterday afternoon: I didn’t see it till nearly 10 o’clock last night. Maybe the ticket had gone to someone else before I had chance to get back to him. Feverishly, I keep checking my inbox all morning then ZAP! There it is, mid afternoon, an email from Chris confirming I’m in. While I’m re-reading this for the umpteenth time I become aware of a colleague staring at me and I realise my eyes are full of tears, ‘It’s ok, Jo’ I tell her, ‘Something wonderful’s just happened!’
Here comes a story that’s never been told…
Chris, having never done so before, had plucked up the courage to ask the band if they could find a ticket to get an old uni friend of his into the gig. To Chris’ surprise, Nigel replied to say they could …and (unprompted, Chris tells me) also queried whether I had managed to get a ticket!
Apparently, the band had seen here on the site that ‘PhyllisTriggs’ was after a ticket; Nigel had remembered meeting me and Eric in Shrewsbury; and he thought it would be a shame if I wasn’t at the gig too!
This is where Chris emailed me – but apparently he’d also relayed back to Nigel my original response about Jason’s need being greater than mine. You can guess the rest.
So three ticketless Biscuiteers (Chris’ mate, Jason from Australia and I) all got to go to the ball. A lovely tale. Very Biscuit. Very Nigel. And I’ve been dying to share this with everyone on here, but in the interests of egalitarianism thought I’d bescht keep schtum til it was all over (it is now!) There may be other links in this chain; other inputs, of which I am unaware but many thanks go out to all those involved anyway.
And now, having impressed Nigel Blackwell with my (uncharacteristic) magnanimity, I am so glad I silenced that little voice inside my head which piped up on hearing the sad news of Philip Taylor’s death. Amidst enormous and heartfelt sympathy for his family and friends, I’d wondered:
‘He didn’t happen to have a ticket for the London gig by any chance…?’ DMDNST.
22 January 2023
Neville Bourke
Great gig, but a bit crowded! Making the pilgrimage from Ireland a couple of times a year I feel smaller towns lend themselves to a better HMHB experience, I may be wrong. Great to see you all. Shout out to Irish Niall who I met at the bar (where else!). The Hitchens Abu.
22 January 2023
Problem CHIMP
Fantastic, my first HMHB gig, coming up to the age of 24 and hitting a decade of listening to this band. Exactly what I expected; the crowd a heady mix of nerds, footie lads, soft punks and soft footie lads. What more could you want? The Clash cover went harder then it had any right to. Expected them to grasp the low hanging fruit and play Four Skinny Indie Kids, but then when have they ever reached for the lowest common denominator? Satisfied customer- I’ll be back.
Air Fryers abound (when will they realise it’s just an oven?)
Ps: I accidentally right hooked some bloke in the chin whilst aping Ian Curtis’ dancing during the “dance, dance, DANCE, DANCE” line in JDOG. I’m sorry; if you’re reading this.
22 January 2023
James Walsh
Wonderful gig, wonderful people, as Jimmy Cliff would probably have said.
Hello to everyone I moshed with, and thanks to the person next to me who held people back for a few seconds while I tied my shoelace. Excellent moshpit etiquette as always.
I’ve done a little review of the gig for the Morning Star – not sure when it’ll be in the paper but will let y’all know and stick a link hereabouts.
22 January 2023
CHRIS THE SITEOWNER
Roger Green’s review, originally published on Gez’s site and reproduced with thanks to both Roger and Gez.
Countdown is a good place to spot HMHB references. In one episode, there were two, quite close together, with Wassail and Gazebos both scoring highly in the word puzzles. Radcliffe and Maconie also chip in on their shows on 6 Music. On one occasion, they were talking about ways to relieve boredom. Referring to the line in The Best Things In Life, Stuart suggested writing on the sole of your slipper with a biro. After all, who hasn’t done that?
Santa sourced a CD boxset for Karen, featuring the collected works of fellow C86ers Bogshed. If HMHB had never existed, and if Bogshed had continued to operate beyond their demise around 1987, then it is possible that I would have been writing reviews about that fine band instead. Only saw them once, one Sunday evening at The Leadmill, not long before they called it a day. At the back end of November 2022, just before the release of their collection, with a horrible irony it was announced that Mike Bryson, their bassist, had passed away. That is three out of the four of them who have now gone before. We all arrived at HMHB from different musical directions. For me, Bogshed was a central stopping-off point before the HMHB journey began. RIP, Mike.
Normally at the back end of a year, we would have been busy taking in a variety of gigs. Instead, our attention turned to moving house. So we’ve been limited to a single trip to The Wharf Chambers in Leeds to see Indignation Meeting supporting Zounds. Well actually, being devoid of energy with the move, we just stopped for Indignation Meeting. A possibility for the support role the next time HMHB play in the city?
You would have thought there might be a better line of communication between the Railworkers Union and the HMHB fanbase. Grant Shapps ought to get involved in the negotiations. His cousin Mick Jones was in The Clash and Big Audio Dynamite, the latter of which also featured Grant’s brother. Maybe Grant would be sympathetic to gig-goers, and get the whole thing sorted. Hmmm, doubt it though. Not many of these gigs get cancelled. But Hull, scheduled for the week before Christmas went by the way. Re-scheduled for the end of April. The strike had led to Chris’s site turning into a Swap Shop operation, with folk able to get rid where they were unable to attend. But then everything was slammed into reverse by the re-arrangement. Unfortunately a few folk were unable to get to London. The same mad scramble came into play. Hope everyone is sorted as we work our way through the calendar this year. Leamington Spa, Stowmarket, Cambridge, Hull, Edinburgh and Llangollen announced so far.
Very, very sorry to hear about Taylo. It’s always sad to hear about the passing of a fellow fan. I can’t say I spent a lot of time in his company, but I have vague memories of being in a group of us pre-gig in the pub before one of the Manchester shows. Deepest sympathies to Loop.
Ta once again to Mickey for another fine edition of his Leicester City fanzine, Bentley’s Roof. Ta also to the folk who put together the excellent mag Vive Le Rock. Although I don’t quite agree with their Top 50 albums of 2022. The Voltarol Years. Where is it? However, the album got a mention in The Times list of readers’ favourite albums of the year. And The Herald managed to fit ICTBCAC into their ten alternative Christmas songs “that you might actually manage to enjoy”.
Christmas 2022 came round, and I was still reading books which Santa had delivered in 2021. John Cooper Clarke’s I Wanna Be Yours. Go get it. One of those books where you imagine the author’s voice reading it out loud to you. And he knows how to tell a tale. Compare and contrast his work with that of HMHB… “I wasn’t seeing so much of Liz at this point. We hadn’t fallen out, but she’d acquired a bunch of snooty philosophy student pals who were busy exploring the real meaning of a cupboard.” And later on, he undertakes relaxation therapy, in an attempt to bring him off the heroin… “It was like the light at the end of the tunnel that turns out to be an oncoming train.”
After finishing I Wanna Be Yours, I moved on to a book by sports reporter and HMHB fan John Anderson. A Great Face For Radio follows him from his start as an insurance broker, to life as an international sports reporter. It was published a decade ago, so better late than never. Not finished it yet but it’s a fine read. There’s a marvellous example of how to talk to non-English speakers: “Do you speak English or am I going to have to shout?” And there is a tale about Carl Lewis. Having seen Ben Johnson, eyes a-bulging, whizz past him in the 100 metres final in the 1988 Olympics, Lewis was beaten into second place a few days later in the 200 metres. His press conference was packed with folk wanting to know about his disappointment, but the first question was: “Mister Johnson, could you tell us how you are enjoying life here in South Korea?” After all these years, there can’t be that many copies of John’s book left for sale. So, get shopping. I hope John’s copyright people are OK with all that. I had hoped to get his signature on the book tonight. Some other time, eh?
Following the New Year Honours list, I’m looking forward to the amendment to the song… “Woke up around eleven, with hair like Sir Brian May.”
The Guardian ran a feature on “the best music our writers discovered this year”. Tim Jonze opted for Bob Wilson Anchorman. “It’s hard to think of a record that could possibly be any less relevant in 2022, and thank God for that.”
Transport issues were few. Grand Central put out messages about our train from Wakefield Kirkgate being delayed. Not so. It was actually bang on time, and away we went to London. There were plenty of other locals on board, heading for the capital. And there were plenty of Strongbow/Smirnoff combinations being taken at the next table. Like you do.
A quick march along Euston Road, via Nandos for lunch, and we checked in at our home for the night, being one of several Premier Inns dotted round and about. Not much of a papers review. I picked up a copy of Metro, which was silent about HMHB. They mentioned that Black Flag are back in business. And they were also upping Brentford’s chances of qualifying for Europe. Tight-arsed Yorkshireman couldn’t do with sticking his hand in his pocket and buying a paper. I was saving up for the bottles of water at £3 a throw.
We were a twenty-five minute stroll from the venue. Karen, Tony, Phill, Andrew and I formed a posse and took the walk along Eversholt Street in that direction. At the venue, extremely friendly staff were setting up the security barriers. I loaded up with some tidy caramelised peanuts from a street vendor and chatted with Neil and Stuart who were off to a cheese restaurant before the gig. Caramelised peanuts. Cheese restaurants. It’s all there in Camden.
While the queue built up, we got talking to Lorna. Originally from Glasgow, she is now based in New Hampshire where she presents a radio show, Global Heartbeat on WSCA Radio. Lorna also reminded me of a band called Hugh Reed And The Velvet Underpants, and their marvellous song I’ve Just Had My Car Nicked. I remember seeing them supporting HMHB at the original Fibbers in York decades ago. Nice to meet you, Lorna. Hope to see you again at the Edinburgh gig.
As soon as I was inside I had a word with Miles and Pete at the merch stall. Nothing new on the shelves, but there is a new gig, in Llangollen in July. Sounds like a good plan to press the button immediately for that one. It will go.
There were some fine songs coming out of the PA. Totally Wired, Love Will Tear Us Apart, Devo, Buzzcocks, Wire, Gang Of Four, Iggy Pop. And it was grand to catch up with many of the usual crew. Hellos were exchanged with Jay, Brian (who was with a mate whose last HMHB show was in 1999 – why do folk leave it so long?), Steve, Postman Tony, John, George, Huddersfield Graham, Andy, Graham Le Taxi, Kev, Daz, Lou, Howie, Paul, Mike and Tracey.
Support act for the evening was JD Meatyard. He has a new album out, which explains why I didn’t know much of what he was playing. I recognised covers of Hello, I Love You, and Bad, Bad Leroy Brown. And he played his old favourites A Political Song (Blow It Out Yr Arse) and Ubu At Erics. John was also doing a couple of other shows while he was over from Spain. We’ll have to give him a go if he ever gets to Yorkshire.
The walk-on music was Lieutenant Pigeon’s Mouldy Old Dough. First job was to check out the clothing choices. Nigel’s long-sleeved item was Der Ring Des Nibelungen – Wagner’s Ring Cycle according to Tony. Ta to Karen for checking the spelling. Later, someone asked Nigel what his shirt said, he replied “Nothing, it can’t talk”. Karl had an Inner City Unit t-shirt. Nigel switched guitars, and did quite a few songs without one, before bringing out the caravan for the encore. “OK for bags?” was his opening line.
Someone, somewhere, please remind me to stop standing right in front of the speakers. I can’t hear everything that is said, and my ears were still buzzing the day after. So anyway… in Renfield’s Afoot, BOOKING ESSENTIAL and NO DOGS were in capital letters. When he did have his guitar, the newish one, Nigel let us have a bit of the Peter Gunn theme. He was having difficulties with the strap again. “Anyone in from The Marshall Islands?” he asked. They would have had a bit of a trip to get to this gig. Neil sang lines from The Streets Of London before the band played Awkward Sean.
Nigel asked if anyone was in from Tavistock. “Do you know Mad Macca?” He praised their falconry centre, “but take some sandwiches because the café is shite”. The “They’re absolutely crazy” line in Petty Sessions was accompanied by a stifled yawn.
“This is about the trauma of a bereaved mind,” announced Nigel. “Oh, no it’s not, it’s this one…” He corrected himself, and the band played Bob Wilson Anchorman. There was a bit of a Parfitt/Rossi thing during that song. “I stole this from Judee Sill” was said ahead of Look Dad No Tunes.
Not exactly sure what he was referring to, but Nigel had seen someone’s t-shirt in the crowd and pointed out that it could be improved by adding an external TV aerial. “This is about people we all know” was the pre-amble for What Made Colombia Famous. He spotted Beth Tweddle. “Any time with those step ladders, Beth.” Something was said about a Residents bootleg, and Nigel reminded everyone that “you don’t get this with Newton Faulkner.”
Big Man Up Front was about someone signing in at Dignitas and then complaining about being given Cheerios for breakfast. Neil’s fan club began chanting his name at one point. Nigel observed someone in the crowd had taken off their jumper. “Makes a change to be warm enough to do that,” he noted “We’ve turned the dial on our gas meter so far back, it’s now in Roman numerals.”
Nigel said that everyone has air fryers and log burners these days. He has had two log burners for twenty years. But now, because log burners are fashionable, you can’t get the wood. He said to Postman Tony, “I bet you’ve got a log burner.” Postman Tony said he didn’t because he lives in a high rise. “Oh yes, how northern are we?” replied Nigel, “I forgot you live in Collyhurst. This next one’s for you,” said Nigel. “In fact it’s the polar opposite of Collyhurst”, and they played For What Is Chatteris. Nigel also talked about famous people from Collyhurst, including Nobby Stiles and Les Dawson. He said he had read Nobby’s autobiography.
I can’t remember the subject matter, but Nigel sang “He’s fat, he’s round, he thinks he’s Ezra Pound.”
It happens every now and then… at the beginning of For What Is Chatteris, Nigel was floundering for the opening line. We all helped him out. Nigel was also struggling when trying to adjust the height of his microphone. “Only been doing this for forty years,” he muttered. There was a pause in proceedings whilst he dealt with a shoelace “it’s loose, arguably worse than being undone”. A snippet of Black Night preceded What Made Colombia Famous. Likewise, That’s A Moray came before Vatican Broadside.
There was further celebrity spotting. “Damian Grammaticus, ladies and gentlemen. Or is he just passing by?” Nigel dedicated Midnight Mass Murder to his local vicar, a chap going by the name of Reverend John Thomas. I can’t help but wonder if/when the line about “full Sky replica kit” will change to “full Ineos replica kit”. For the encore, Nigel came on with a paper bag. Food or medication? A bit of both, apparently. And there was the traditional farewell message: “Have a good weekend, weatherwise or otherwise.”
Thanks to Carl for screwing up his set list and chucking it to me. I’m glad I can still catch. The evening went like this:
Renfield’s Afoot
The Light At The End Of The Tunnel Is The Light Of An Oncoming Train
Fuckin’ ‘Ell It’s Fred Titmus
Awkward Sean
Petty Sessions
Bob Wilson Anchorman
Look Dad No Tunes
I’m Getting Buried In The Morning
What Made Colombia Famous
Tommy Walsh’s Eco House
Sealclubbing
Big Man Up Front
Rock ‘n’ Roll Is Full Of Bad Wools
For What Is Chatteris?
Vatican Broadside
Grafting Haddock In The George
All I Want For Christmas Is A Dukla Prague Away Kit
Surging Out Of Convalescence
When I Look At My Baby
National Shite Day
Midnight Mass Murder
Harsh Times In Umberstone Covert
We Built This Village On A Trad Arr Tune
Twydale’s Lament
Everything’s AOR
The Trumpton Riots
Every Time A Bell Rings
And the encore featured:
Oblong Of Dreams
I Fought The Law
Joy Division Oven Gloves
The audit of the set list tells us that Terminus was originally scheduled to come between National Shite Day and Midnight Mass Murder. But it got dropped. On the other hand, Sealclubbing was a spur of the moment inclusion. “I just want to play it,” said Nigel. All good stuff, as we have come to expect. Hopefully the girl who was pulled over the barrier by security was ok in the end. A dozen or so of us headed to The Lyttleton Arms, back in the direction of Euston. From there it was to bed, and then back north on the Saturday morning. I always have a good time when I go to London, but somehow I can never get used to the crowds. Small town boy, you see. I reckon I will cope better with Leamington Spa in April.
22 January 2023
BOBBY svarc
Thanks Roger, great report. Glad you enjoyed ‘The Alternative Leicester City Fanzine’. The next ‘Roof’ is a relegation special but as with most of our publications you’ll find it hard to find anything modern-football-wise or serious in there, mind you, the introduction of ‘Honesty Flags’ by the Football Club has had to have ‘The Roof’ treatment. It’s a decent read, so we’ve been told, N. Blackwell and yourself seem to enjoy it, or perhaps, you’re just being kind. Anyway, hopefully, I’ll catch up with you and Karen at Lembo in March
23 January 2023
John anderson
Great review as ever from Roger. I’m delighted that’s he’s finally got round to reading my book. I know he doesn’t post on here but if anyone’s in touch with him, tell him I’ll be at the Cambridge gig and would be delighted to sign his copy there. I think Karen follows me on Twitter (@GreatFaceRadio) so pehaps she could contact me via that route.
It’s no longer on general release but I have copies which are for sale at £15 plus P&P if anyone wants one. You can email me at johnoanderson@blueyonder.co.uk.
23 January 2023
EXXO
@Roger. Many thanks as ever – just like being there. Always like your sartorial notes on clothing I wouldn’t have noticed even if I had been there. Inner City Unit, eh? Another Nik Turner tribute from Karl. Whereas I tend to avoid unprotected sax as much as I avoid London. Tired of life, me. It’s like NB once said to Tony “you spot trains so we don’t have to” (in the case going to London being the tiresome activity we don’t have to do because you did, of course, rather than watching HMHB).
Talking of t-shirts, I wonder if NB’s “TV aerial” comment was aimed at a VW camper t-shirt? They seem unaccountably common on chestwear these days.
And @Dr. D – I still don’t get the Damian Grammaticas joke either – unless (and it’s taken me 48 hours to even wonder this) NB pronounced “passing” the London way?
Funny that NB is a wood snob. He once even offered me the palate that his Welsh kiln-dried stuff had been delivered on. I’d have taken it too, if I hadn’t been about to get on a bus. I’ve just been rummaging in a skip across the road here for this week’s wood.
Air fryers? I only heard of them from my nephew a few weeks ago. I didn’t know what a “sound bar” was either (just an oven and a speaker respectively, it seems). I have all the cultural awareness of a high court judge, me. Although a de-humidifier has recently changed my life, and I wouldn’t have known what one of them was a couple of years ago, so I do catch up eventually.
@Niall. Blimey that’s a lot of round numbers all at once. But we want you – preferably with a band – in Leeds in 2024 at the latest, OK?
Talking of bands in Leeds, @Roger, Karen, Dr. D, Elizabeth, all Tonies (and everyone else in the north who would travel to see a punk covers band). Band-Its June 16th Leeds. Free beers for all HMHB attendees & accommodation for those who need it and don’t mind slumming it.
23 January 2023
EXXO
Pallet of course. Not palate. I must have been channelling memories of teenage holy communion, where the wafers tasted like bits of old wood out of a skip.
23 January 2023
John Anderson
Sorry that should have read £15 INC P&P.
23 January 2023
Bernardo soares
I am reading the Damian Grammaticas joke as a reference to Rolf Harris’ “The Court of King Caractacus.” His surname would fit in that song where everything was “just passing by.”
23 January 2023
dr desperate
Correctamundo, @Bernardo – one for the teenagers there.
I don’t know if anybody got the gag immediately, but it had airshipped me until Nigel added something about “the ladies in the harem”. When I eventually laughed he said “Take your time”.
(Incidentally, I can still sing the whole song if anyone’s interested, or if not. Likewise ‘Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport’ and ‘Six White Boomers’. Unfortunately, hard-wired memory is no respecter of indecent assault convictions.)
23 January 2023
BOBBY SVARC
@Roger: Really great to hear that non-Leicester fans ‘get it’ too. We’ve got some fine writers on there now, it basically writes itself these days. Some good stuff in the next issue. Sounds of Phillybert Street, Bobby off the Saff, Confessions of a holiday Camp, From The Pop to the Kop, The Totally Hit History Of Leicester City. The Arsenal Cup Ties of the Seventies and much much more, ha ha!. if the admin allows, anyone can buy one at https://www.bentleysroof.online
23 January 2023
Woodnoggin
The Court of King Caratacus was one of my favourites off ’20 All Time Junior Hits’, long before I even knew what a harem was. I notice Discogs has copies of that LP for as little as 36 pence, were anyone so tempted.
23 January 2023
James Walsh (not out of starsailor)
Here’s my review for the communists. In the paper tomorrow.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/c/take-biscuit
23 January 2023
EXXO
That is splendid stuff James. Tight as the band.
23 January 2023
Woodnoggin
Great review, James. Nice to see Offbeat get a mention, too, one of my old haunts.
23 January 2023
Irish Niall
@Exxo : Don’t get me started about the round numbers. The hits just keep on coming. Coming over and with the chance to play does sound very tempting mind. Let’s keep that idea simmering!
@Roger : Roger your reviews are always beyond a joy to read. For those who weren’t there and that’s usually me they are a rich, immersive deep dive into an event. For those who were -and this is such an occasion I was lucky enough to be in that number, they put you right back in a moment.
@James : Similarly well played Sir. I dunno if I was the actual punter seen sobbing during Oblong of Dreams. It would not surprise me to find there was well more than one. My apologies if it created social awkwardness to any in my proximity though in truth I thought I’d gotten away with it and didn’t think anyone had noticed (It actually happened in Castleton as well). It just has that effect on some and likely for different reasons spanning everything from euphoria, sentimentality, fear that this might be “the end” -probably with advanced state of refreshment enhancing all foregoing and following… In my case -my mam died last June. I’m fine with it -at least I thought I was fine with it. She was done with her body or it with her. But that last few months driving her to oncology TVY was the CD in the car most of the time and I suppose it, and specifically Oblong, became intertwined with unfolding events. I know of course Terminus would likely be a far more appropriate song to hang such hooks upon but it is what it is. It’s a tremendous tune.
@Neville : I enjoyed Hells Angel but honestly I reckon both Hitchens are both full of different shades of shite 😉 Good to see you too and I trust you made it home alright. I left myself with some very fine margins to make the Stansted Express. Forgot to carry a one somewhere in my calculations. Yet I believe I was home in Limerick with a mug of tea in hand before Postman Tony made it home to Manchester.
24 January 2023
dr desperate
Excellent stuff, James! I was once that man down the front crying, after Nigel dedicated a song at The Ritz to my bro who’d recently died.
On that topic, late condolences to all at TMS (not the cricket one) for the loss of Steve McGiffen who passed away last August, having for years written a cookery column under the splendid pseudonym “Commie Chef”.
24 January 2023
Hendrix-tattoo
Great reviews folks, great reviews.
Had a great weekend and I must agree with the Doc that was one of the best gigs the boys have played, But I always say that.
I’d also like to think the inclusion of Sealclubbing was for me, Due to me heckling Nigel about his shirt. Later on I got a finger point during the postman elastic band line in Twydale’s Lament.
Niall it was great see you and I’m glad you got home safe and sound. My epic coach journey home wasn’t that bad because Jd Meatyard was also on the same coach to Manchester. He was playing a gig in Levenshulme that night.
Roll on Leamington Spa…
24 January 2023
FERENCVáROS FAN
Post-gig euphoria has subsided, but still basking in the afterglow. Loved reading all the reviews. Thanks to all for posting. Some really touching comments. Great story from Lou about the ticket, #morethanaband. Final comments ( I think):
1. Big thanks to my friend Phil for turning up beforehand for the craic. He won’t be reading this, so he’s safe from any embarrassment, but when you’ve got a firm friendship that stretches back well over 50 years, you can’t put a price on it.
2. Huge shout out to the manager of The Queen’s Head on Acton Road, King’s Cross, for making Phil and I feel like truly honoured guests during the afternoon. Choice of glasses, ushering us to the best seats in the house (close by the fire – it was a flipping cold day), asking if we were CAMRA and then telling us that meant a 10% discount, not laughing when I tried to pay him with my CAMRA card (I ‘ll be dining out on that one for a long time), beer at just over £3 a pint, and handshakes as we left.
3. To reiterate, I loved the pre-gig company. The more I go, the more people I meet and the more I feel like I’m surrounded by family on such occasions.
4. I won’t repeat my comments about the gig itself, but will add that I felt there were a couple of particularly good singalong moments, firstly at the beginning, to Mouldy Old Dough, then later on to Twydale’s Lament.
5. ‘Surging’ had come hot on the heels of two particular favourites, so it marked a perfect hat-trick. Then, at the end of the song, there was a truly ‘it’s a wonderful life’ moment. Thank you for that. I think you will know who you are.
24 January 2023
Neville Bourke
@IrishNiall – Re The Hitchens (bloody autocorrect!). I’ll see your “both Hitchens” assertion and raise you Hitchen’s Razor!
24 January 2023
michael
@Roger – thank you for yet again shoe-horning a mention of Indignation Meeting in to your review! One of these days we’ll get that coveted support slot… We’ll be at the Welly in Hull in April, perhaps we could just play in the car park after the gig like Beach Buggy used to.
26 January 2023
COFIWCH DRYWERYN
Long time between drinks (1999 Harlesden was the last, just before I emigrated off to sunnier climes). Absolutely storming gig made all the better by catching up with some stalwarts in the bar ahead of time.
26 January 2023
JD O’GLOVES
So looking forward to Leamington after reading these rave revues! Set list looks awesome, can’t wait!!
28 January 2023
Gary evans
This was a superb gig. Set list was up there with the best. Cracking version of I Fought The Law. Did not see Damian Green but did see Elis James, John Robins and Lou Sanders upstairs. Elis and John had mentioned the gig on 5 Live that afternoon. I said a polite hello and thank you to them for bringing HMHB to the attention of the nation. They also talked about it yesterday on their show. Was well worth the nightmare 6 and a half hour train journey back to Merseyside on Sunday!
28 January 2023
Bishbosh
Been waiting for years to see them down saaaf and one of best gigs I’ve been to in 40 years, would of thrown hard cash to of heard “yahoo, restless legs, excavating Rita” not a full head of hair in the house, I tell everyone that hmhb are the robin Friday of music
1 February 2023